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Ralph Laird Obituary
Ralph was born on Jan. 28, 1929, in Dearborn, to Raymond and Emma (Ford) Laird. Ralph married Joan Beeks on June 21, 1952, in Marshaltown, Iowa.
Ralph worked as a Speech Pathologist and Administrator for Traverse Bay Area Intermediate Schools for 22 years. He was a docent at the Dennos Museum, a member of Board of Directors of Clinch Park Zoo, and a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Joe and Rhonda Laird of Nashville, Tenn., Ben and Lorraine Laird of Traverse City, G.G. Laird and Jeff Idema of San Francisco and Suttons Bay; four grandchildren, David and Allison Laird of Nashville, Emma and Marie Laird of Traverse City.
A Memorial Gathering will take place Sunday, Aug. 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.
Memorial donations can be directed to the Speech Department of the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District, P.O. Box 6020, Red Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684; or to the Dennos Museum.
The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Adam Gahn
August 18, 2006
Joan, you have lost a most gracious person. Anne and I know what a support Ralph was to you and all your family. Our memories of him are all pleasant and positive. You and he are in our prayers.
Lori Wells
August 9, 2006
Joan - I am so sorry to hear we've lost Ralph. I just have to tell you what admiration I always had for yours and his relationship. You two were like two peas in a pod. I will always remember him for his grin and wearing that hat. I know you're surrounded by family and friends who love you - please know we love you here too.
Senior Center
Mickey Fivenson
August 9, 2006
I was thinking of Ralph a few days before he died. A friend and I were talking about wrestling. I recall how helpful Ralph was to me when I began officiating wrestling. He was the pro and I was the rookie. I will always remember his kindnesses.
Karen Rosa
August 8, 2006
G.G. Just wanted you to know, although it has been many, many years, you are remembered and thought of fondly. May God comfort you in your loss.
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Dave and Barb Loveland
August 6, 2006
Barb and I will always remember his goodness and his smiles. He had a smile for all occasions and every smile said something. Better than words. Those he has touched are greatful for his life.
Dave and Karen Guth
August 6, 2006
Ralph was our first supervisor in the field of special education, and we remember him with great fondness. He was a kind, thoughtful, and caring man. Ralph was a great listener who was deeply respectful of his staff, and compassionate and supportive of the families TBA served. Ralph never shied away from spirited and enjoyable debates with some of us "know it all" new teachers, and he taught us that we might not really know everything. We have many fond memories of Ralph. One we love is the memory of him careening into our school parking lot on his motorcycle, mink tie askew, clutching our paychecks.
We join with Ralph's many friends to extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family.
Jean Pearson
August 5, 2006
Joan and family:
My heart goes out to you all.It's hard to lose someone you dearly love. Bud was so appreciative that Ralph stopped to see him when he was having his bypass surgery.
Burl and Barbara Glendening
August 4, 2006
My fondest memories of Ralph were all the Thanksgiving dinners at Fox Tent & Awning in Ann Arbor, around the cutting table were the canvas was outstreght My Father, Uncle Alex and aunt Myrtle had the room all spit and polsihed for this great meal with all the Aunts, Uncle and cousins. Our love to the Lairds. Burl and Barbara
pat wojciechowski
August 4, 2006
Ben and Lorraine and girls,
I was truly saddended to hear about Ralph's death. I recall seeing him with Ben at the Cherry festival.
Please accept my thoughts and prayers.I know that this is difficult for you .
I hope that Joan will be okay.
Susan Read
August 4, 2006
To the Laird Family,
Thirty years ago, when TBAISD was small, Ralph Laird was big.
I remember him as a man who loved his profession and enjoyed his colleagues. He often talked about his own children and wife, Joan, with pride and admiration.
He was a friendly, upbeat, and a considerate supervisor. At one time, Ralph went out his way to be sure I had the opportunity to be employed. He was looking out for me and I never forgot his kindness.
I send my desire that you will find comfort knowing others admired and respected your dear father and husband.
Jim Van Eenenaam
August 4, 2006
Many fond memories of Ralph. He was a special friend to Sandy.
Larry + Barbara
August 4, 2006
Joan, Gigi, Ben & Joe: remembering many good days as neighbors on Wayne
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